Lynn's Obituary
Lynn ‘Fred’ Marie (Buyan) Williamson, age 74 of Great Falls, Montana, peacefully passed away on January 26, 2024, surrounded by family.
Lynn was born on November 5, 1949, in Butte, MT to Joseph and Helen (MacMillan) Buyan. She was raised on the family ranch in Melrose, MT. During those years, she was a tomboy following her older brother Robert “Bob” around the ranch- even snacking on bull pellets, and spending time creating memories with her grandfather who lived with the family. Lynn was independent and a hard worker on the ranch, even cooking for the hay crew when she was 12 years old. The family moved to Dillon, MT in 1966 where Lynn attended and graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1967. After high school, Lynn attended college in Bozeman, MT where she graduated with a degree in medical technology and microbiology in 1971. She came back to Dillon and worked as a nurse’s aide at Barrett Hospital for a short time. Following her undergraduate college education, she moved to Peoria, IL for continued internship training as a medical technologist at St. Francis Hospital. Lynn passed the national registry exam and moved back to Montana in 1973 where she started her tenure as a clinical microbiologist at Columbus Hospital, which changed to Benefis Healthcare, in Great Falls, MT. She retired in 2012 after 38 years.
Lynn married her best friend, Terry Williamson, on March 20, 1982. She and Terry shared the love of baseball, and she had a special place in her heart for the Great Falls Voyagers. Lynn and Terry have been a host family for Voyager players and managers for almost 40 years. The pride and love Lynn had for this team, her friends, and especially her family, crossed states and even continents as she stayed close to those dear to her. She shared her love of life through poems, songs, stories, photos, adventures, and her contagious laughter. Those blessed to have known her know she loved thoroughly. Lynn was truly a gift to her family and friends.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Terry Williamson of Great Falls, MT; her brother, Robert Buyan of Billings, MT; stepdaughter, Tammy Shovar of Billings, MT; granddaughter, Jessa (Alex) Mendez; grandson, Jordan Shovar; stepdaughter, Tina Williamson of Laurel, MT; granddaughter Kylee Jarvi; and great-grandchildren, Joshua Ainsworth, Aalayah Jarvi, and Bentley Ainsworth of Laurel, MT; brothers-in-law, Bob (Vickie) Williamson and Gary Williamson; sisters-in-law, Janet (Rick) Connell, Lynn Walls, and Mary Beth (Derke) Williamson; and many nieces and nephews all of Great Falls, MT. Lynn is also survived by her nieces, Candi (Elvin) Stanton of Newcastle, WY and Tami (Scott) Wetsch of Billings, MT; great-nephews, Adam (Jamie) Cobb and Blake (Kristi) Cobb; great-nieces, Sydney Harris, Sadie (Robbie) Stinchfield, and Tiernan Stanton; great-great-nieces and nephew, Grace Harris, Hadlie Harris, Karsyn Cobb, and Jaxon Stinchfield, respectively.
A memorial of her life will take place at a later date at Voyager Stadium in Great Falls, MT with a private family memorial to follow in Dillon, MT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Peace Hospice, Food Bank of Great Falls, Great Falls Rescue Mission, or a charity of choice.
